Shakers were a religious sect that believed the beauty and perfection of heaven could be experienced by living simply and purely on earth. The Shaker communities flourished in nineteenth-century America, spread over nineteen villages from Kentucky to Maine. For the Shakers, work, worship and life were indivisible. They lived in self-sufficient communities where everything was shared and nearly everything handmade. Shakers excelled in adapting to difficult conditions with aplomb; the homes which they lived in were no exception too. Pragmatism was the buzz word for Shakers; each room was designed for a specific purpose and each accessory brought in for a real use.

Living with a historic style can be really challenging too! Composed essentially of hard woods and plain geometry, Shaker style is devoid of many of the creature comforts homeowners insist on today. But living with the look becomes easy when you customize it with modern comforts and decorative mementos. Shaker homes are instantly recognized, any visitor just indulges himself freely with the abundant hospitality of the interiors. Some recognizable features are very original to these homes; rustic wooden ceiling beams establish the period atmosphere for this living room furnished in the style of the 18-century Shaker community. Dark wood contrasts very clearly with the pale and lightly painted walls for dark-light equation, so characteristic of authentic Shaker rooms. The fireplace on the corner is not only attractive, but also contrasts with the fine millwork adjoining it. The beam’s primitive character contrasts in stark reality with the whole room, in essence more decorative than any other designs.

Modern comforts make this room for a leisurely relaxing. The pair of comfortable leather sofas offers comfort the Shakers only dreams of. The sofa’s sharp lines and a clear lack of ornamentation are really compatible with the original design. The checked rug displays a classic Shaker pattern, weaving the furnishings in the large room into a unified whole. Windows are allocated to make a strong geometric statement with little intrusion; a mark of Shaker’s conviction to style. Shaker furnishings are noted for their light scale and delicate, pleasing proportions. The presence of semi classical bird houses and cages suggest a strong Shaker styling with a sensible repetition of simple geometric forms. A simple table with an arrangement of family photos is a stamp of traditional authenticity. Shaker objects are noted for their shapely simplicity, beautiful craftsmanship, and precise efficiency. In design, their furnishings are free of the unnecessary, but full of joy. Natural colors for a Shaker room is sky blue, ocher yellow, barn red, grass green often saturates plain surfaces.

Shakers home can be very traditional to look and feel; all nooks and corners of a Shakers home displaying a specific purpose and a designated feeling.

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